Metal and wire theft is on the increase: City of Surrey, B.C.

Metal theft, including the theft of copper wiring, is a growing problem, according to the City of Surrey, B.C.

“Both local and international supply and demand strongly influence wire and metal theft,” the City of Surrey says in a post on its website. “Local wire and metal theft problems can be linked to international demand and high prices.”

The City of Surrey estimates its total losses from wire and metal theft exceed $2.5 million.

“Thieves target all kinds of metals,” the city notes in a brochure created to raise awareness about the issue. “Theft can include catalytic converters in cars, copper boat propellers, metal roof gutters and fencing. Wire from street lamps and telephone cables are also vulnerable, as well as vacant buildings and homes under construction.”

Some thieves pose as renovation contractors to strip copper from vacant homes. Others have used online resources such as Google Earth to identify large amounts of metal — such as spools of wire — stored outdoors.

Costs due to damage done by theft to commercial, residential or city property can easily outweigh the value of the stolen items, the City of Surrey notes.

For example, wire theft can lead to 911 service disruptions; threats to public safety (such as hospitals or emergency response systems); power outages (street and traffic lights, as well as highway advance warning signs); communications systems (phone, TV and Internet service) and service cost increases.